Salads in St. Louis causing sickness – is this a new Outbreak or an extension of the current two outbreaks? Our Cyclospora Lawyers have now filed numerous Cyclospora lawsuits in both the Del Monte and McDonald’s outbreaks:
Twenty-two people in west St. Louis County have become ill with cyclosporiasis, apparently after eating salads containing lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro. At least 13 of those who became ill said they had eaten packaged salads. The outbreak of illnesses has included cases of diarrhea reported in Ballwin, Chesterfield, and Fenton since the end of May.
County health officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak and are uncertain as to whether it is related to the cases of cyclosporiasis associated with salads consumed at McDonald’s restaurants in the Midwest. They believe the food poisoning could have been caused by contaminated lettuce, tomatoes, or cilantro.
Cyclospora parasites live in feces and can spread through contaminated food or water. The illness causes watery, frequent and explosive diarrhea and can also include stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. The illness can be treated with antibiotics, but dehydration becomes a concern in severe cases.
Food safety can be a serious issue in the contamination of fresh food products such as salad ingredients. Health officials warn that anyone handling food should wash their hands thoroughly before and after touching food and preparation surfaces. Hand washing is particularly important after using the rest room.
Ron Simon is working with consumers on lawsuits against McDonald’s. Those consumers also suffered the symptoms of cyclosporiasis after eating contaminated salads. For more information about Cyclospora lawyers, Cyclospora lawsuits, or the outbreak in St. Louis County and to learn more about your legal options if you have been impacted by illness there, contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.